TOUGH SIGNING: PENRITH PANTHERS JOIN EELS AND ROOSTERS IN A RACE TO SIGN RISING NRL STAR
the penrith panthers have entered a fierce battle with the parramatta eels and the sydney roosters to secure the signature of one of the nrl’s most promising talents, teenage sensation liam wallace. the 18-year-old halfback, currently turning heads in the queensland cup, has become one of the most sought-after players in the league, with multiple clubs vying for his services ahead of the 2025 season.
wallace’s rise through the ranks has been meteoric. known for his agility, game vision, and tactical kicking, he has consistently impressed scouts and coaches with his maturity and composure under pressure. as a result, his name has been circulating among nrl clubs looking to bolster their rosters with young talent capable of making an immediate impact.
the penrith panthers’ interest in wallace signals their intent to maintain their dominance in the league. having secured three premierships in recent years, the club is keen to future-proof their roster, especially with the possible departure of key players to rival clubs. insiders suggest that the panthers view wallace as a long-term investment, with the potential to succeed nathan cleary as the team’s on-field general.
the parramatta eels, however, are equally determined to land wallace. after a mixed 2024 campaign, the eels are eager to inject fresh talent into their squad. coach brad arthur has reportedly been impressed by wallace’s ability to control the tempo of matches, and the club sees him as a critical piece in their plans to return to premiership contention.
meanwhile, the sydney roosters are throwing their weight behind a push to lure wallace to the eastern suburbs. with their reputation as a powerhouse in player development and a track record of turning young stars into nrl legends, the roosters are confident they can offer wallace the perfect environment to thrive.
wallace’s camp is reportedly taking a measured approach to the decision. sources close to the player suggest that he is carefully weighing the offers, focusing not only on financial incentives but also on the development pathways and long-term opportunities each club presents.
“liam is flattered by the interest, but he’s focused on finishing the season strong and making the right decision for his career,” a family spokesperson said.
the race for wallace’s signature has sparked significant buzz among nrl fans and pundits alike. rugby league analyst phil gould commented, “players like liam wallace don’t come along often. his ability to read the game and deliver under pressure is something that can shape a club’s future. whoever gets him is getting a star in the making.”
with negotiations expected to intensify in the coming weeks, the competition between the panthers, eels, and roosters is set to reach a boiling point. wallace’s decision could reshape the nrl landscape, adding another layer of intrigue to an already dynamic off-season.
for now, the young star remains tight-lipped, leaving fans eagerly anticipating where his talents will shine in the nrl’s next chapter.
